Academic Calendar

Transcription

1 Academic Calendar Academic Calendar

2

3 Academic Calendar Atlantic School of Theology 660 Francklyn Street Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada B3H 3B5 Telephone (902) Main Switchboard (902) President s Office (902) Academic Dean (902) Registrar (902) Academic Office (902) Business Office Fax (902) Website Academic Calendar

4 Atlantic School of Theology is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved: Master of Divinity Master of Arts (Theology and Religious Studies) Approved for a Comprehensive Distance Education Program The Commission contact information is: The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA USA Telephone: Fax: Website: Although care has been exercised in preparing this Calendar, information contained in it is subject to change. Atlantic School of Theology reserves the right to make changes affecting any information contained in this document, including course offerings and fees, without prior notice. Readers are encouraged to visit the School s official website astheology.ns.ca and/or call the Registrar s Office ( ) for any updates. Edited by Cynthia Thomson, Registrar 2 Atlantic School of Theology

5 Table of Contents Our Origins 4 Our Mission Statement 4 A An Ecumenical and Accredited Theological School 5 Affiliation with Saint Mary s University 5 Message from our President 6 Message from our Academic Dean 7 Academic Year Atlantic School of Theology Faculty 10 Academic Program Admissions 13 Degree and Certificate Programs 15 B Adult Education Programs 31 Continuing Professional Education Programs and Opportunities 37 Courses of Instruction for Academic Credit 40 Academic Assessment 60 Academic Policies and Regulations 63 C D Code of Conduct 70 Campus and Community Life 71 Community Life and Worship 73 Financial Assistance 74 Tuition and Administration Fees and Policies 84 E F AST Residence Rates and Policies 87 Administration, Governing Bodies and Faculty 89 Academic Calendar

6 Our Origins A Faint glimmers of the unusual, even unique collaboration, which is AST s contribution to ecumenical education, could be detected in the increasing cooperation among the founding institutions in the late nineteen sixties. During those years, students of King s College, Holy Heart Seminary and Pine Hill Divinity Hall shared some classes and benefited on a limited basis from a sharing of faculty from the other institutions. Limited though this cooperation was, it was a beginning. Circumstances and challenges of the day suggested new ways in which the theological institutions could cooperate in the days ahead. Deliberations subsequently led to the recommendation that one school of theology be founded, a resolution agreed to by King s, Holy Heart and Pine Hill. Articles of Agreement were signed on March 29, 1971; the School admitted its first students in September of 1971, and on June 28, 1974, Atlantic School of Theology was formally incorporated by an Act of the Legislature of Nova Scotia, granting the School the power to confer degrees in its own name and in its own right. Our Mission Statement Atlantic School of Theology, an ecumenical university serving Christ s mission, cultivates excellence in graduate-level theological education and research, creative and faithful formation for lay and ordained ministries, and understanding among communities of faith. 4 Atlantic School of Theology

7 An Ecumenical and Accredited Theological School Atlantic School of Theology, an ecumenical school of theology and Christian ministry, was founded in 1971 by institutions of the three founding parties: the Divinity Faculty of the University of King s College (Anglican Church of Canada), Holy Heart Theological Seminary (The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Halifax) and Pine Hill Divinity Hall (United Church of Canada). It is specially characterized as an ecumenical, tri-denominational theological school with an ecumenical Board of Governors, Senate, Faculty, and Student Union. The School is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. It offers a Master of Divinity degree program and, in cooperation with Saint Mary s University Halifax, a Master of Arts (Theology and Religious Studies) degree program. A tencredit Graduate Certificate Program in Theological Studies, which mirrors the first year of the Master of Divinity Program, is also available. In addition to graduate studies, AST offers three specialized adult education programs: the Adult Education Certificate in Theological Studies, the Diploma in Youth Ministry, and the newly launched Diploma in the New Evangelization in the Roman Catholic Church. A Affiliation with Saint Mary s University Atlantic School of Theology has been affiliated with Saint Mary s University, in Halifax, since March Both institutions are committed to establishing and promoting joint and complementary academic courses and programs. They are also committed to achieving the operational efficiencies that will strengthen each institution to fulfill each other s educational mission and service to the churches and to society. The affiliation allows each institution to retain its independent status and to grant its own degrees while offering joint programming. The Masters of Arts (Theology and Religious Studies) degree program is offered jointly between AST and Saint Mary s University. This program provides AST s students an opportunity to explore new avenues for theological education such as inter-faith dialogue, which is becoming a major part of the societal context in which ministry now must exercise its calling. Additionally, the affiliation has made possible the jointly sponsored Canadian Centre for Ethics in Public Affairs (CCEPA) located on the AST campus. Academic Calendar

8 Message from our President A As we prepare for the academic year I am preparing also to leave the Presidency of this extraordinary school. It might therefore seem odd to have a welcome message from someone who new students will not meet. However, it gives me a unique perspective on the riches that await you as you undertake your theological education here. We have just completed a discernment process in which questions of core values and identity have been explored and the ground laid for a strategic plan that will serve the school as it moves into the next five years of its history. This is a place that is intentional in its commitment to the vision and mission of ecumenical theological that it undertook forty years ago. It is a place that recognizes the centrality of community in formation for leadership and strives to promote that experience of community for all our students, those on campus and those studying at a distance. It is a place that recognizes the importance of theological thought and insight and sees this as essential to the transformation of life in Christ to which we are called and to which we bear witness. We continue to serve our three founding denominations (Anglican, Roman Catholic and United Church of Canada), and honour the courage and vision by which they brought the school into existence and we seek to understand that diversity as a basis upon which we can continue to reach out and welcome the contributions of students from a variety of cultures, denominations and religious traditions. We are grateful for the beauty of our maritime context and we are delighted to reach beyond that to the many who come to us from across Canada and around the world. We are committed to providing program offerings that will support a wide variety of goals and leadership opportunities in the church and beyond. Our programming will provide a rigorous theological grounding for your future work and our diversity provides a context for you to explore your own identity and vocation in the rich relationships that an ecumenical school offers. The programs are taught by our outstanding faculty of widely recognized and respected scholars who are committed to a theology that makes a difference not just in the academy, but in churches, in communities and in the lives of individuals. You will be challenged and stimulated, stretched and encouraged to explore. We also recognize that theological education involves significant commitment and investment from those who come to us to study, investment of time and energy, and of financial resources. AST will do all that it can to help and through the generosity of donors we are able to offer outstanding levels of financial support to students in all of our program areas. The affiliation with Saint Mary s University also provides a number of opportunities to engage with the issues faced by the Church and the world around us. We offer an MA (Theology and Religious Studies) program jointly with the department of Religious Studies at Saint Mary s University. The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Public Affairs is another joint initiative that helps us to bring a theological contribution to the discussion of significant contemporary issues that shape our society. I will not be here to greet you personally, but I still welcome you and wish you well in your studies here. I know that in coming to AST you are coming to an exciting place that does not merely face the future but embraces it and sees it as an opportunity to be responded to with energy, commitment and hope. Best Wishes in Christ, Eric B. Beresford, President 6 Atlantic School of Theology

9 Message from our Academic Dean It is a great honour to greet you on behalf of the faculty and staff of Atlantic School of Theology (AST) and welcome you to this edition of our Academic Calendar. For those who are continuing their journey with us, this Calendar offers a practical roadmap for the remainder of your time with us in formal theological education and spiritual formation. For those who are new to us, or using this Calendar to explore your vocational options, please know that AST is dedicated to providing you will a solid yet imaginative educational experience. At AST we ve create a learning environment that you will find both challenging and supportive. AST is an ecumenical school, we delighted to offer a home to those from a wide variety of traditions who seeks graduate theological education. We are committed to a spirit of hospitality. As an ecumenical school we are open to being challenged and changed by such relationships. AST has one of the finest groups of theological educators within the family of schools that belong to the Association of Theological Schools. Our faculty consists of dedicated teachers, researchers and humanitarians. Together students and Faculty explore how our church and lived theologies can engage the world. In recent years, AST has focused its emphasis on leadership and we have been working with our students to develop their ability to challenge the world. AST is not a passive place of study. Our curriculum, with its strong core of foundation courses and rich elective choices, will call you into an exciting exploration of every area in theology and a challenging development of leadership skills needed by our church, our various academies and society today. As a student you are an active participant in our curriculum and we invite you give us your feedback to help us design a curriculum that is responsive to emerging realities in the church and society. One such emerging reality has been the growth and development of our Summer Distance MDiv. Through the vehicle of the Summer Offerings, theological education is now more accessible than ever to students. We are also working to increase the availability of our continuing education programs, courses and opportunities on our campus, in satellite locations and on-line. The faculty and staff have worked diligently to make this Calendar useful and informative for you. In addition to this Calendar, I d invite you to visit our website where you ll find program application and course registration forms, residence information and application forms, information on bursaries, as well as updates on academic information and policies, and news about current and upcoming events. Thank you once again for considering AST as your education partner in theology, ministry and spiritual development. Peace and Blessings, Jody Clarke, Academic Dean A Academic Calendar

10 Academic Year A Summer Term 2014 June 16 - July 25 Summer Term 2014 June 19 July 1 July 9 July 26 - August 10 August 4 September 2 Summer Term Matriculation Service (Thursday, 7 p.m. St. Columba Chapel) Canada Day. School is closed. (Tuesday) Nicholson Scholar Public Presentation (Wednesday, 7 p.m. St. Columba Chapel) Library is closed. Natal Day. School is closed. Regular Administration hours begin (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Fall Term 2014 September 1 September 3 5 September 8 September 11 September 12 September 26 September 30 October 13 October October 29 November 1 November 3 November 10 November 11 December 1 December 4 December 9 December 16 Labour Day. School is closed. Week One and Registration Fall Term classes begin. (Monday) Matriculation Service (Thursday, 11:45 a.m. at St. Columba Chapel) Last day for late registration for Fall Term courses. (Friday) Last day to withdraw from Fall Term courses without financial penalty. Last day to apply for AST Bursaries. Thanksgiving Monday. School is closed. Term break. No classes. Offices are open. Senate Meeting Last day to register for Winter Term courses. Paul Wattson Lecture. (Classes as regularly scheduled.) (Monday) Last day to withdraw from Fall Term Courses without academic penalty. (Monday) Remembrance Day. School is closed. (Tuesday) MDiv Summer Distance Graduate Project presentations (time TBA). Students will attend Presentations as part of regularly scheduled campus classes. Advent Service (Thursday at 11:45 a.m. at St. Columba Chapel) Last day of classes for the Fall Term (Tuesday) Last day of Fall Term Final marks due for all courses. (Tuesday) 8 Atlantic School of Theology

11 Winter Term 2015 January 5 January 5 January 9 January 23 February 2 School is open. Winter Term 2015 classes begin. (Monday) Due date for Winter Term 2015 tuition. Last day for late registration for Winter Term courses. (Friday) Last day to withdraw from Winter Term courses without financial penalty. Last day to withdraw from year-long courses without academic penalty. (Refund for Winter Term tuition only.) Final grades due for Fall Term INCs February 2 13 Returning Student Registration for February 11 February March 1 March 10 March 11 March 12 April 2 6 April 9 *April 10 Senate Meeting (Wednesday) Term break. No classes. Offices are open. Theses due for all programs. Last day to withdraw from Winter Term courses without academic penalty. Graduate Project presentations (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). No Formation Programs. Students will attend Presentations as part of regularly scheduled classes. Graduate Project presentations (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Students will attend Presentations as part of regularly scheduled classes. Easter Holidays. School is closed. Agape (Thursday at 11:45 a.m.) Last day of classes for the Winter Term (Friday) April 15 Final marks due for students scheduled to graduate in May (Wednesday) April 17 April 22 Last day of Winter Term Final marks due for all courses. (Friday) Senate Meeting. (Wednesday) May 2 Convocation 2015 May 4 May 18 Summer Administration hours begin. (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Victoria Day. The School is closed. A Summer Term 2015 June 15 - July 24 Summer Term 2015 July 1 Canada Day. School closed. No classes. (Wednesday) *Instructors with classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Winter Term 2015 may elect to have the final class on April 7th and 8th respectively. See AST Residence Rates and Policies for dates Academic Calendar

12 Atlantic School of Theology Faculty A AST s full-time and part-time teaching faculty offers courses of instruction in several areas of theological inquiry. Faculty members act as advisors to students in planning programs of study and in monitoring their academic progress. Three denominational faculty groups attend to the preparation for ministry of the ordination candidates in the churches which constitute the founding parties and oversee the life of the denominational communities at the School. Dr. Joan Campbell, C. S. M. New Testament Studies Research interests: Biblical kinship issues, the cultural world of the Bible, portraits of biblical women. Books Published: 1. Kinship Relations in the Gospel of John (May 2007; Vol. 42; CBQ Mon Ser.) 2. Phoebe: Patron and Emissary (Liturgical Press (2009). Current Research Projects: 1. Dr. Joan Campbell and Dr. Patrick Hartin of Gonzaga University are co-editing a festschrift in honor of Dr. John J. Pilch (PhD Marquette University; taught at Georgetown University and currently Visiting Professor at The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore). The essays deal with various aspects of kinship in the Bible. 2. Book in progress: The Women s Cultural Dictionary of the Bible. Dr. David Deane Systematic and Historical Theology Co-ordinator of the MA (Theology & Religious Studies) Program Research interests: Christian Doctrine, Theology and Postmodernity, Philosophy and Theology, the import of 4th century modes of thought for contemporary Theological challenges. Publications: include Nietzsche and Theology: Nietzschean Thought in Christological Metaperspective (Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing, 2006). Current research projects: The Matter of the Spirit: How Soteriology Shapes the Moral Life forthcoming in Cascade Books in their Theopolitical Visions Series, Rev. Dr. D. Laurence DeWolfe Pastoral Theology Director of the Summer Distance MDiv Program Research Interests: Preaching in post-colonial context; models of pastoral leadership; family systems theory and applications. Publications: Co-author, The Blue Banner: The Presbyterian Church of Saint David and Presbyterian Witness in Halifax (McGill-Queens University Press, 2007). Monthly column, October present, Progressive Lectionary ; featured review of Christianity After Religion (July 2012); Cover and feature article, Lutherland (February 2013); all in The Presbyterian Record. Contributions to Lectionary Homiletics (August/September 2014). 10 Atlantic School of Theology

13 Dr. Alyda Faber Systematic Theology and Ethics Director of the MTS Program Research interests: Religion, ethics and film; poetics and theology; literature and religious subjectivity; feminist theory and theology; religion and violence. Publications: Helplessness as Sacred Human Calling: David Adams Richards God Is and Mercy Among the Children in Recognizing the Sacred in the Modern Secular; Ethical Solicitations and the Film Poetics of Michael Haneke s Caché, in Michael Haneke and his Films, Alexander Darius Ornella and Stephanie Knaus, eds.; The Postsecular Poetics and Ethics of Exposure in J. M. Coetzee s Disgrace, Literature & Theology. Poetry in diverse Canadian Literary magazines: Documentary Newspaper Delivery, Still Life: Reprise, Awry, Inner Tube Run, etc. Current research/writing: Film as parable (working on the films of Frederick Wiseman); poetry manuscript. A Rev. Dr. Rob Fennell Systematic and Historical Theology Research interests: Theological interpretation of Scripture; Trinity; Christology; Church renewal. Publications: How Does the United Church Interpret the Bible? ; On Ordained Ministry ; co-editor of Three Ways of Grace: Drawing Closer to the Trinity (UCPH); editor of Intercultural Visions: Called to be the Church (UCPH); contributor to The New Interpreter s Theological Companion to the Lectionary (Abingdon). Next projects: Monograph on Biblical interpretation in the Reformation era. Rev. Dr. David MacLachlan New Testament Studies Full-time Professor for New Testament Studies and Early Christian History at AST since July 1983 with specialties in the Revelation to John, Paul, Early Church History; interests in Biblical Theology and Jewish-Christian dialogue. David was the Academic Dean at AST from 1998 to As a doctoral student and research assistant to Dr. Markus Barth ( ) at the Theologisches Seminar in the University of Basel, Switzerland, he assisted Dr. Barth with the preparation of his volumes on Ephesians and Colossians in the Anchor Bible commentary series as well as the volume on Philemon in the Critical Eerdmans Commentary series. He is a member of the Canadian Society for Biblical Studies and has written several shorter book reviews in Studies in Religion. Recently he wrote articles for the forth-coming student handbook, Dictionary of the Bible and Western Culture from Sheffield Phoenix Press. David was a member of the UCC General Council Committee for Theology and Faith and chaired the Committee from 1988 to He participated in the development and writing of the 1992 UCC General Council report, The Authority and Interpretation of Scripture. He also sits on the committee that is preparing the congregational resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Academic Calendar

14 A Current research/writing: David is presently working on a collection of essays on the Revelation to John and a special study on the theology of Israel in the Revelation. He is also a member of the translation group at the Centre for Barth Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey. They are working on the translation of volumes in the Karl Barth Gesamtausgabe series. Dr. Susan Slater Associate Professor of Hebrew and First Testament Studies Research interests: Deuteronomy, food, land and embodiment themes in biblical interpretation. Rev. Dr. Susan Willhauck Pastoral Theology Research Interests: Culture and Christian formation; linguistics and theology; intercultural teaching; narrative and ethnography; congregational leadership and change; women s leadership in ministry; lay theologies; congregational studies; and worship practices. Publications/Projects: The Web of Women s Leadership: Recasting Congregational Ministry (with Jacqulyn Thorpe) Abingdon Press; Back Talk! Women Leaders Changing the Church Pilgrim Press; Ministry Unplugged: Uncommon Calls to Serve, Chalice Press, Consultant for the Lead Women Pastor s Project of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. The Urban Dictionary, Street Wisdom and God: An Intersection of Linguistics and Theology paper presented at the Canadian Theological Society 2011, published in the International Journal of Practical Theology, fall Freeing Speech: Proverbial Wisdom as Faith Formation and Liberation paper presented at the Religious Education Association, 2012 and published in Religious Education, Fall Atlantic School of Theology

15 Academic Program Admissions Academic Admissions Requirements The academic requirement for admission to the Master of Divinity Program (MDiv) and the Graduate Certificate Program in Theological Studies, and admission as a Special Student is a Bachelor s Degree (or its educational equivalent) from an university recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada or the Council for Higher Education in the United States. Applicants to the MDiv Program, Graduate Certificate Program, and as a Special Student are expected to have attained an average of 70% or a B grade (or the grade point average equivalent) or higher in their undergraduate program. The academic requirement for admission to the Master of Arts (Theology and Religious Studies) Program as a specialization in theology (thesis or course-only) is a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology or an equivalent Bachelor of Arts Degree in a cognate discipline or a Master of Divinity degree from an university recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada or the Council for Higher Education in the United States or a similarly recognized institution with a minimum of B+ average. The academic requirement for admission to the Master of Arts (Theology and Religious Studies) Program as a first degree in theology (thesis or course-only) is a Bachelor of Arts degree (or its equivalent) in any discipline from a university recognized by the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada or the Council for Higher Education in the United States or a similarly recognized institution AUCC accredited university or a similarly recognized institution with a minimum of B+ average. B Studying at AST without a Bachelor s Degree Students who seek admission to the MDiv program, the Graduate Certificate Program in Theological Studies, or admission as a Special Student or credit courses without a completed Bachelor s Degree may apply for admission on the basis of having a Bachelor s Equivalency, or as a sponsored candidate for ordination (such as a United Church of Canada Shorter Course Candidate ). Applicants may present a case for acceptance based upon life experience alone, although some university course work is preferable. The Standards of Accreditation for the Association of Theological Schools set a limit of 10% for the number of students in the degree programs who do not possess a full Bachelor s Degree or its educational equivalent. Those applicants who seek to be admitted to the School on the basis of a Bachelor s Equivalency or life experience are asked to contact the Registrar at (902) or registrar@astheology. ns.ca prior to submitting their application for admission to discuss the Prior Learning Assessment process. In addition to the appropriate application form, required application material and application fee, those applying for admission on the basis of a Bachelor s Equivalency are required to submit to the Registrar s Office a Prior Learning Portfolio and a Prior Learning Portfolio processing fee of $ Students who do not have a full Bachelor s Degree are encouraged to complete as many university courses toward a degree as possible before applying. It is expected that persons who are making a case for Bachelor s Equivalency or as a church sponsored candidate will have at least five year-long university credits (or 10 semester courses) as part of his or her portfolio. The decision concerning Bachelor s Equivalency resides with AST. International Students For students whose first language is not English, a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL is required for admission. They are also expected to submit a substantial sample of academic writing as part of their application documents. In order to study in Canada, international Academic Calendar

16 students will need to apply for admission to Immigration Canada for a Study Permit. International students are encouraged to contact the nearest Canadian Consulate or High Commission. For more information, visit for contact information for Canadian Consulates and High Commissions worldwide. AST expects international students to complete all government requirements and to have sufficient financial resources for their time of study at the School. **Please note that all students at AST who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada will pay an International Differential Fee on tuition at the rate of two times the standard tuition rate. Technology Requirements All students must have an up-to-date computer and high speed internet access to take on-line courses and to access on-line study/research resources. Students must be familiar with current technology in order to make full use of the AST Library on and off campus. B Admissions Process The admissions process for the Master of Divinity Program, Master of Arts (Theology & Religious Studies) Program, Graduate Certificate Program in Theological Studies, and as a Special Student includes submission of the appropriate application form, payment of a nonrefundable application fee [$70.00 for Master of Divinity Program, Master of Arts (Theology & Religious Studies) Program and Graduate Certificate Program in Theological Studies and $40.00 for Special Student]. Supporting documents must include an official academic transcript as evidence of a Bachelor s Degree or university courses completed, and the written materials as specified in the application form. Applicants will be notified when their application file is complete. The applicant will be notified concerning admission status as soon as possible after receipt of the application and all supporting documents. Once accepted, an admissions letter will be issued from the Dean s office to the applicant. For detailed information on the admission process, please see Admissions Process in the applicable program description. Applications to the campus Master of Divinity Program, the Master of Arts (Theology & Religious Studies) Program, and the Graduate Certificate Program in Theological Studies should be received by May 1st to begin studies in the Fall Term. Applications to the Master of Divinity Program and the Master of Arts (Theology & Religious Studies) Program received after May 1st may be treated as applications to the Graduate Certificate Program in Theological Studies and be admitted or not by the Dean on that basis for a Summer or Fall registration. Applications to the Summer Distance Master of Divinity Program should be received by March 15th to begin studies in the Summer Term. Applications to the Summer Distance Master of Divinity Program received after March 15th may be treated as applications to the Graduate Certificate Program in Theological Studies and be admitted or not by the Dean on that basis for a Summer registration. After reviewing an applicant s application materials, the Admissions Committee and the Dean may decide to admit any applicant to the School s credit programs or courses as a Probationary Student. A Probationary Student may register for up to six credit courses, but no more than three courses in one term. An assessment will be completed at the end of six courses. For further information, please see Categories of Students in the AST Student Handbook. Students admitted as a Probationary Student are responsible for contacting the appropriate Student Loans/Assistance Offices (provincially and/or federally) regarding their eligibility for student loan/assistance as a Probationary Student. 14 Atlantic School of Theology

17 Degree and Certificate Programs AST Academic Curriculum AST is committed to excellence in theological education and vocational competency. The curriculum is at once rigorous and flexible, able to utilize the gifts and expertise of the Faculty, the Atlantic context within which AST is located, as well as being hospitable to the talents and interests of students. Our programs have as one of their chief aims the cultivation of transformational leaders, equipped to take up the challenges facing the churches and society in the decades ahead. With its Foundation courses and elective offerings, the School s academic curriculum serves all credit programs. The Foundation courses are designed to move students into the heart or essence of the subject area with focus. Students are encouraged to take as many Foundations as possible before starting elective courses in any field. This approach provides a basic introduction to the work and range of theological disciplines as a foundation for further study. Master of Divinity Admission Requirements The academic requirement for admission to the MDiv program is a Bachelor s degree (or its educational equivalent) from an accredited university, with a minimum of a B average (or grade point average equivalent). Applicants to the Program should possess interests, aptitudes, and personal objectives which correspond with the Program s purposes. Admissions Process The admissions process includes submission of an MDiv application form and those items delineated in the instructions for applying for admission to the MDiv Program. (Application forms and instructions are available on-line at or from the Registrar s Office.) The Academic Dean and a member of the Admissions Committee review completed applications to determine suitability of the applicant for the program. Admissions interviews are held if deemed necessary. An admissions letter is issued to the applicant by the Dean. Any persons not admitted to the School will be informed of the reasons for non-admission by the Dean. MDiv Program Requirements The MDiv Program is designed primarily, but not exclusively, for persons preparing for ordained or professional ministry. It is not a requirement for this degree that the student be a church-sponsored candidate for ordination. At the time of applying to AST for admission to the MDiv Program, applicants are expected to consult with their denomination concerning their church s requirements for ordination or any professional designation. The MDiv Program is also a first degree in theology and may be used by persons interested in developing core competencies in the major areas of theological inquiry and ministerial practice. Students enrolled in this program usually prepare to assume responsible leadership roles in ministries of the Christian church in a variety of locales including congregations, health-care settings, educational institutions and the wider community. It is recommended that students contemplating entering the MDiv Program give particular attention in their undergraduate degree program to philosophy, history, social sciences, psychology, classical and modern languages, and literature. Good research and writing skills are essential in all AST degree programs and courses. Students who undertake the study of theology or religious studies in their undergraduate program may wish to review the course offerings of AST in order to co-ordinate their undergraduate studies with their study of theology. The study of biblical languages, world B Academic Calendar

18 B religions, religious symbolism and psychology, sociology and philosophy of religion are especially recommended. Students applying for the MDiv Program who have completed a Master s level program in theology, will be considered for advanced recognition by the Admissions Committee. Students admitted to the MDiv program are required to complete 30 academic credits and to maintain an overall B average to qualify for the degree. For ACC and UCC ordination candidates, the 30 MDiv Program credits will include any denominational course requirements and the denominational program participation credit. Students are expected to be familiar with AST s C grade policy. (See Grading System for AST Courses.) The learning environment at AST weaves together practical experience of ministry with a deep engagement of the traditional theological disciplines. Guided by their own commitment to vocational and academic excellence, students are encouraged to integrate the learning they draw from both ministry experience and academic study. To this end, the MDiv Program employs a variety of learning methods and provides an integrative atmosphere for all its courses and related experiences. The MDiv Program challenges students to pursue ever greater clarity of theological and vocational insight and articulation with expanded pastoral expertise in order that they may effectively engage those endeavors to which our spiritual heritage commits us in service to the church and the world in our times. Within the broad requirements set out by the program, students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning goals, paying particular attention to the needs and requirements of their vocational and confessional affiliations. The MDiv Degree Program consists of Foundations courses, Research Methods, Supervised Field Education, the Graduate Seminar, electives, denominational courses and denominational program. The Program requirements are as follows: Foundations Cycle: BF BF PF PF RM TF WF Total 7 Supervised Field Education: SFE SFE Total 3 Graduate Project & Seminar in the Practice of Ministry (third or final year): GS 3000A 1 GS 3000B 1 Total 2 Distributed Electives: Scripture Studies 4 Theological/Historical Studies 6 Ethics 1 Pastoral Theology 3 Total 14 Unrestricted Electives: Total 3 Denominational Program Participation: Total 1 PROGRAM TOTAL Atlantic School of Theology

19 Candidates for ordination in the School s founding denominations will take the appropriate credits in their own denominational studies. These may be spread across several theological disciplines. One credit (pass/fail) will be given for active participation in the denominational program over the entire program of studies. This credit will be assigned and paid for in the final term of the degree. It is recommended that students who are not affiliated with one of the three founding traditions consider a directed study in their own spiritual and religious tradition as a means to fulfill this credit requirement. Duration of Program Normally a student is enrolled in the MDiv Program for a maximum of seven years. This applies to the On-Campus and the Summer Distance streams of the MDiv Program as well as the Honors MDiv Program. Students who do not complete the requirements of the degree program within seven years require written permission from the AST Senate for an extension to complete the degree program requirements. Intensity of Study In order for students to take full advantage of the intensive learning experience in the MDiv curriculum and in order to provide opportunities for the gestation of ideas and insights, students will normally take no more than five credits in any one semester and no more than 13 credits within one twelve-month period. A course overload must be requested in writing by the student and will be presented to a meeting of Faculty by the student s Faculty Advisor before the beginning of the term in which extra credits are taken. (Please see Students Having Extra Curricular Responsibilities in Academic Policies and Regulations.) Supervised Field Education Experiential learning is a vital dimension of critical learning. MDiv students will be assigned to a ministry context shortly before the beginning of the winter semester of their first year. Field settings are based in congregations and parishes and may include health care institutions or other appropriate placements. In this setting they will work with a qualified supervisor and a resource team made-up of lay members of the community to which they are assigned. Students will normally remain in the same setting for three terms. Within this environment students will be exposed to the challenging and changing realities of ministry. With each passing month they will be expected to take on greater responsibilities while developing their skills in pastoral ministries, teaching, liturgy, community analysis and theological investigation. Students are required to have completed no fewer than three foundation courses (including PF 1001) in order to be registered for SF Students are required to provide the Registrar s Office with a current Police Records Check (which includes a Vulnerable Persons Check/Level II) at Fall Registration to be registered for SF 1000 or SFE Specific Denominational Courses All courses in the MDiv curriculum are taken within the rich ecumenical environment that is AST, but in order to address the unique needs of each of our founding parties, denominationally specific courses such as Canon Law or Anglican Theology are housed in the elective offerings. Denominationally specific courses are open to all registered students at AST. Students are expected to discuss such course selection with their Faculty Advisor, their Formation Director, and the course instructor before registering for the course. Scriptural Studies and Biblical Languages Within scriptural studies, students will be expected to take a minimum of two electives in the First Testament and two electives in the New Testament. Biblical Studies electives have as a prerequisite the completion of the corresponding Biblical Foundation course (e.g. students B Academic Calendar

20 B may register for New Testament electives once they have completed BF 1002, which focuses on the New Testament). Students are expected to take both Biblical Foundations courses (BF 1001 and BF 1002) as soon as possible in their program. Reading knowledge of the Biblical Languages is a valuable asset for those whose vocations require them to assume responsibility for the interpretation and proclamation of the Scriptures. Introductory courses in Greek and Hebrew are offered in alternating years. Advanced courses in the languages are offered according to demand. Should students elect to take Hebrew or Greek, one credit may be counted towards fulfillment of their Scripture Studies elective requirements and the other credit will be reckoned as a free elective. Graduate Project and Seminar Purpose The Graduate Project and Seminar provides students with an opportunity for an in-depth exploration of a question or issue in or related to ministry. The Graduate Project and Seminar is taken in the final year of the Program, and is valued at 2 credits. The project will be based in a field setting chosen by the student within which the project is developed, executed and evaluated. Studies in the Fall Term will include exposure to research methodologies and the reviewing of student projects by AST s Research Ethics Board. This project invites students to engage a variety of theological disciplines as they come to a deeper understanding of those dynamic forces that move within communities of faith and agencies of social responsibility. The overall goal is to equip students to function effectively as leaders within such contexts. Students are challenged to see themselves as researchers and agents of change while becoming competent in the areas of theological engagement, social analysis, and spiritual assessment. The Graduate Seminar provides students with an opportunity to share insights, draw on emerging resources for ministry, and stimulate creativity born of a community of leaders. A crucial focus during this period of study will be an examination of spiritual leadership in its many forms and manifestations. Focus for the Project and Seminar The Graduate Project, with an initial emphasis on research methods, is worth two credits (one credit in the Fall Term and one credit in the Winter Term for on-campus students and one credit in the Summer Term and one credit in the Fall Term for the Summer Distance MDiv students.) The development of the project and an application of research methodology serve as a forum for focusing on a theme or concern that is pressing on a student s identity as a competent pastoral practitioner. Each student selects a dilemma, issue or question in ministry: one that is ripe with consequence for both the student and a particular ministry context and able to be explored in a field setting. The question to be explored will be agreed upon and refined in consultation with the Faculty assigned to the Graduate Seminar and developed in seminar discussion with other students. The project will include a clear statement of the question, a review and critique of relevant literature, and a research methodology consistent with the undertaking. The projects and their findings will be presented to the wider school and community during the student s final semester of study. Goals of the Project 1. To enable students to assume leadership in the development, design, implementation and presentation of a project in ministry. 2. To develop competency in the use of appropriate research methodologies, in communicating their learning effectively to a diverse audience, and to strengthen their self-understanding as pastoral researchers. 3. To provide an opportunity for students to articulate their theological understanding of a leader s role, character and authority in dialogue with their research as well as with what their church understands of ministry. 18 Atlantic School of Theology

21 Project Streams and Field Settings Ecclesial: Students may elect to work within an individual parish or a cluster of churches. Community: Students may elect to work with social, community or government agencies with either a local, regional, national or international focus. It is the student s responsibility to identify the specific site for their research, in consultation with seminar faculty, and to negotiate with people involved in that setting to identify a resource person or small group who will supervise the student s research and reflect on their findings and evaluation. Conversation about and planning of the Graduate Seminar and Project will be initiated in the term prior to the final year. Master of Divinity Thesis Permission may be granted to students already in the MDiv Program to write a thesis. Normally two credits awarded for the thesis will be assigned, if appropriate, towards fulfillment of the distributed elective requirements of the program. If the student is a candidate for ordination, permission to write a thesis will be needed from both the student s Faculty Advisor and the appropriate Denominational Faculty Group. Permission to write a thesis is to be confirmed to the student by the student s Faculty Advisor and the appropriate Denomination Faculty Group prior to Returning Student Registration in the Winter Term. Thereafter the student should include the MDiv Thesis in her/his course registration during Returning Student Registration in the Winter Term for the upcoming academic year. Students planning to write a thesis must complete an Application for Thesis Form and have it signed by their Thesis Director and Faculty Advisor. The application must be submitted to the Registrar s Office by April 30th in the year prior to the student s year of intended graduation. The Thesis Proposal needs to be completed with the Thesis Director s approval, then approved by the Advisor by the end of June. (See Thesis in Academic Policies and Regulations for more information.) Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) A maximum of two credits of CPE may be counted toward the requirements of the MDiv Program. (See Courses of Instruction for Academic Credit for a complete description.) Historical Studies The subject area of Church History appears in various forms in many of the courses taught at AST. Students are encouraged to take at least one course in a pre-nineteenth century ecclesiastical phenomenon. Many courses in systematic theology will also provide considerable work in several periods of ecclesiastical history. World Religions As students prepare to assume roles of leadership within an increasingly diverse world, knowledge of other religious traditions becomes invaluable. AST in conjunction with Saint Mary s University allows its students to enroll in courses that deepen their knowledge of other religions. Although the study of world religions is often part of an undergraduate degree, students may explore the selection of electives at Saint Mary s University or other local universities as a part of their course load. The elective must operate at a master s level or have the requirements upgraded to meet graduate standards. The location of such an elective must be discussed with the student s Faculty Advisor. AST students will require an AST Letter of Permission to register at another university or institution if they wish to use the elective course to meet program requirements at AST. Registration at another university or institution will be the responsibility of the student. B Academic Calendar

22 Summer Term In an effort to make our programming more accessible, address the needs of students who live at a distance, and provide a setting for continuing education, the School offers a regular summer term during late June and July each year. During this term, courses are offered in an intensive format, typically meeting for ten, three-hour sessions over two consecutive weeks. B Master of Divinity Program Designs On-Campus MDiv Program The On-Campus Program follows the normal format of academic terms throughout the year. The Fall Term extends from September to December and the Winter Term from January to April. The terms run typically over 13 weeks. Normally classes will end one week before the end of term. This allows for extended assignments, exams and other course-related matters to be dealt with before final marks are due at the end of term. Some courses may well be completed on the last day of classes. Most classes will be two and a half hours in length and meet once a week. Normally, thirty hours of instruction over one term constitutes one credit. Students enrolled in the On-Campus MDiv Program are also able to take summer and Internet courses in partial fulfillment of their degree requirements. No more than half the credits of the MDiv Program may be taken on-line. The Faculty may require certain credits to be taken on campus as appropriate. Summer Distance MDiv Program This design is suited to those students who choose to do the MDiv degree while serving in a supervised ministry setting approved by both denominational authorities and the school. The Summer Distance MDiv Program consists of 15 on-campus credits normally taken in the Summer Term (three credits per summer). Students residing and/or working within commuting distance may take some on-campus courses during Fall or Winter Term. However, the experience of community during Summer Term is an important part of the Summer Distance Program. The remaining credits will be taken on-line while students are in their ministry sites. Summer Distance students may apply CPE and other on-line or on-campus offerings through other accredited institutions. AST students who wish to take courses at another institution for credit toward their degree at AST must obtain a Letter of Permission from the Academic Dean. (See Letter of Permission for External Courses under Academic Policies and Regulations.) The Summer Distance MDiv Program design follows the format and requirements of the On- Campus MDiv Program. Normally, students will complete the Foundation courses before embarking on electives. They will also have to meet any prerequisites set for any given course. The MDiv Foundation Courses are usually covered during the first two years of the program. The final year will include the Graduate Project and Seminar in the Practice of Ministry. Students in the Summer Distance MDiv Program will normally complete their course of study in five years. They may take up to seven years to complete the degree in this mode. At present candidates for ordination in the United Church of Canada spend five years in supervised ministry. Supervised ministry requirements for students from other denominations may vary. Applicants from traditions other than the United Church must consult with the Program Director and relevant denominational authorities about supervised ministry. Before beginning a field-based program of study for ministry, such as the Summer Distance MDiv, students require the approval of their church judicatories/dioceses. Those who work with students in their candidacy processes must be satisfied that they have the necessary readiness and developing gifts for leadership in congregations. Students must work with their church judicatories/dioceses to arrange ministry placements. Careful attention should be 20 Atlantic School of Theology